Okay...another starving actor who just needs moderately priced headshots to get started since I know the agents are just going to ask me get them retaken anyways since they're all looking for something else. What do you guys think of www.kellymullisphotography.com --- her photos? Or www.jessebiltz.com? (Though, I have seen better one's of his, but they aren't on his site.) Also, just wondering about make-up --- some say I should do my own because it'll look more like me (esp if I'm just getting some retouching later) or is it necessary to get one if I'm just getting started?
Posts: 1 | Location: San Diego, CA | Registered: January 22, 2008
There are a few good photographers in LA. Watch out for actors passing themselves off as photographers. Shoot with a real photog. Try Paul Smith, David Zaugh, Peter Konerko and Michael D'Ambrosia. These guys know what's up.
Posts: 13 | Location: New York | Registered: January 23, 2008
My agent wanted character shots. I went to Denis Trantham at Westside Studio. I've shot with him several times. He is really nice, honest and reasonable, which is so wonderful to find in this business. I was able to get a variety of looks for one price ($275 for 2 hours), and he is the only photographer I know who does that.
My agent was happy with my photographs. I did have some minor retouching, but he's a great photographer and I could've easily used the photos exactly as they were. I was thrilled because I got a lot of variety without spending a fortune.
As for make-up, I do my own because I feel like that when I go on auditions I am the one who will be doing my hair and make-up so I want to look like me. And over and over, casting directors say that the number one thing is to look like your headshot.
Posts: 49 | Location: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: January 24, 2008
Originally posted by TB272: Okay...another starving actor who just needs moderately priced headshots to get started since I know the agents are just going to ask me get them retaken anyways since they're all looking for something else.
Agents often have the annoying habit of automatically dissing your headshots, whether they're good or not.
This is primarily due to their inclination to prove to you from the start, "Who's the boss?" It also gives them the feeling that they're actualy doing something pro-active and positive to further your career -- after all, it's usually their very first career decision for their new charges. In the case where your headshots actually ARE crap, let them take the lead. But after you've already spent some serious coin to get truly great headshots, go with the headshots you've got and they'll understand (if not, let THEM pay for the next round!).
I always advise getting the absolute best headshots you can afford, even if you have to save up and wait. If you have to skimp on something, make it on something that doesn't so immediately and directly effect your career.
If she's still in town, I'd recommend Mary Ann Halpin as my top choice, Michael Helms on a good day. In spite of the many photographers available in the Los Angeles area (or any city), there are always very few that continuously and consistently produce superlative work.
Originally posted by TB272: Okay...another starving actor who just needs moderately priced headshots to get started since I know the agents are just going to ask me get them retaken anyways since they're all looking for something else. What do you guys think of www.kellymullisphotography.com --- her photos? Or www.jessebiltz.com? (Though, I have seen better one's of his, but they aren't on his site.) Also, just wondering about make-up --- some say I should do my own because it'll look more like me (esp if I'm just getting some retouching later) or is it necessary to get one if I'm just getting started?
Ask to see your acting colleagues' headshots. When you know the person and see the headshots of that person side by side you can see if the photographer did a good job, if he caught the person's essence, who he or she is, or who he or she can be.
